How to Beat the Panthers?

rich006 · 10-21-2003, 10:33 AM

I like Gatorman\'s assessment except for one thing. If the Panthers are smart, they don\'t change their offensive game plan until they\'re behind by at least three scores (meaning 17 points or more) and the game is well into the second half. Remember how Davis wore down the Saints defense by the end of last game? They couldn\'t stop him at all in the 4th quarter. As long as they\'re down by 16 or less, I think they continue to pound Davis and Foster and trust their defense to hold AB and Co. I didn\'t see the game last week, but how big of a lead did the Titans have before Carolina went to pass-happy catchup mode? I don\'t think a lead of 10 or even 14 points would be enough to force the game onto Delhomme\'s shoulders.

Bottom line: AB & Co. will need to score at least 3 touchdowns in the first half, while the defense gives up one TD or less, or else Carolina won\'t be forced to abandon their running game and this one will stay close until the end. (We don\'t need a halftime lead that big to win the game, but we do need it to take away the Carolina running game.)

Of course, I\'d settle for a game in which Carolina rushes for 250 yards and we win 34-31. Either way, the Saints offense will have to execute close to how well they executed last week.

Go Saints!

10-21-2003, 10:33 AM	#4
rich006 100th Post Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 335	How to Beat the Panthers? I like Gatorman\'s assessment except for one thing. If the Panthers are smart, they don\'t change their offensive game plan until they\'re behind by at least three scores (meaning 17 points or more) and the game is well into the second half. Remember how Davis wore down the Saints defense by the end of last game? They couldn\'t stop him at all in the 4th quarter. As long as they\'re down by 16 or less, I think they continue to pound Davis and Foster and trust their defense to hold AB and Co. I didn\'t see the game last week, but how big of a lead did the Titans have before Carolina went to pass-happy catchup mode? I don\'t think a lead of 10 or even 14 points would be enough to force the game onto Delhomme\'s shoulders. Bottom line: AB & Co. will need to score at least 3 touchdowns in the first half, while the defense gives up one TD or less, or else Carolina won\'t be forced to abandon their running game and this one will stay close until the end. (We don\'t need a halftime lead that big to win the game, but we do need it to take away the Carolina running game.) Of course, I\'d settle for a game in which Carolina rushes for 250 yards and we win 34-31. Either way, the Saints offense will have to execute close to how well they executed last week. Go Saints!
rich006 100th Post Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 335	"I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain."